Student Teachers’ Use of Data Feedback for Improving their Teaching Skills in Science and Technology in Primary Education

Abstract

In this study, student teachers explored four data collection methods for data feedback to improve their teaching skills in Science and Technology [S&T]. The aim was to verify whether these methods were suitable for collecting data concerning their teaching skills during S&T activities in their internships. They analysed the collected data and drew conclusions about the quality and possible improvements of their teaching skills. Logbooks and focus group interviews were used to collect data regarding the suitability of the utilised data collection methods. The findings indicate that the questionnaires, interviews, and observations provided suitable data in some cases; however, this strongly depended on how the student teachers applied these data collection methods. The results provide insights into the problems student teachers encounter in collecting, analysing and interpreting data and how they can be supported therein. Furthermore, it appeared that student teachers need to possess sufficient knowledge and skills to utilise data collection methods, so that specific training in this field is required.